MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Monday night, Memphis Mayor A C Wharton accepted the resignation of Robert Lipscomb as the Director of Housing and Community Development.
Debbie Singleton has been named interim director.
According to the Mayor’s Office, since the investigation was made public, several other people have come forward with similar accusations.
“If there are others, I strongly encourage you to contact Crime Stoppers immediately,” said Wharton. “Because of the nature and number of calls, it is best to call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 528-CASH rather than Dir. Armstrong or me. Be assured that all will be investigated immediately and thoroughly.”
The resignation does not apply to Lipscomb’s other job as director or the Memphis Housing Authority.
The investigation into Lipscomb started about a week and a half ago, when the Mayor received a call from a 26-year-old man in Seattle, Washington.
The caller claimed Lipscomb took advantage of him in a sexual way 10 years ago in Memphis.
He was 16 at the time and underage in Tennessee.
Wharton said he immediately sent Police Director Toney Armstrong and two investigators to Seattle.
“It involved a city employee,” said Wharton. “We have an Internal Affairs Bureau. This is protocol that we always follow.”
On Sunday, Wharton met with Armstrong to discuss the case–hours later, he relieved Lipscomb of duty without pay.
